PD BACKGROUND REPORT (PL-SPP-2022-000018 & PL-SMA-2022-000018)

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to the subject property. Currently, the property is served by a 5/8-inch water meter, which is limited to one unit of water with an average daily usage of 400 gallons. The existing meter is located at the intersection of Akoni Pule Highway and Maluhia Road. According to the Department of Water Supply (DWS), the average daily water usage over the past two years is approximately 4,100 gallons per day, which is equivalent to approximately eleven units of water and exceeds the capacity of the existing meter. Additionally, DWS notes that current water availability conditions in the area can only provide one unit of water per existing lot of record, and therefore, the County's existing water system cannot support the proposed project. Extensive improvements and additions, which may include source, storage, booster pumps, transmission and distribution facilities would be required. Further, DWS requests the implementation of water conservation measures to reduce water consumption. The applicant has responded to DWS by noting that the high water usage rate was due largely to recent drought conditions requiring County water for agricultural activities. To address agricultural water needs, the applicant has installed sprinklers and drip lines, and plans to construct a non-potable well, both of which the applicant believes should reduce use of County water. Additionally, the applicant states that the new guest rooms will likely be primarily single occupancy and should not significantly increase potable water demand. According to the Department of Health (DOH), Safe Drinking Water Branch (SDWB), if there is an average of 25 or more individuals served at least 60 days per year, the facility qualifies as a public water system and must comply with Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR), Title 11, Chapter 20, "Rules Relating to Public Water Systems." 27. Wastewater: As part of the amendment approved by the Planning Commission in 2004, the applicant obtained approval to install a septic system and soil absorption fields in lieu of an aerobic septic system with leach field to service the wastewater needs of the retreat center. The facility is currently serviced by four septic tanks and the applicant proposes to install new septic tanks for the proposed guest rooms, meeting with the approval of the Department of Health (DOH). DOH has indicated that the additional individual wastewater systems could negatively impact the ocean due to proximity and soil type, however, despite attempts to follow up by the applicant, DOH has not specified a -8-